Seattle Mariners Edge Detroit Tigers in Record-Breaking Extra-Inning Thriller to Move On to First ALCS in 24 Years
Through a gripping 15-inning contest, the Mariners' infielder drove in the decisive score with a single to right field, sealing a 3-2 win for the home team over the Detroit Tigers in the decisive game of the ALDS.
Decisive Plays in the Marathon Game
Luis Castillo, making his initial bullpen outing in the major leagues, threw over an inning to secure the win, sending his team to the AL Championship Series for the first time since 2001.
Seattle will now face the Toronto for the championship in a showdown between 1977 expansion counterparts. Game 1 is set for Sunday in the Blue Jays' home.
15th Inning Game-Winning Sequence
- JP Crawford started the bottom of the 15th with a line-drive single to the outfield.
- Another batter was hit by a pitch, putting players on first and second.
- After Cal Raleigh made an out, a throwing error by the center fielder allowed the runner to advance.
- Following an intentional walk, the batter connected on a 3-2 pitch to conclude the game.
Scoring Highlights and Defensive Efforts
A Tigers hitter provided all of the visitors' scoring with a two-run homer in the sixth inning.
The Mariners evened the score at two runs apiece in the seventh on a pinch hitter's RBI single.
Both teams threatened multiple times in extra innings, with the Mariners grounding into twin killings in both the 12th and 13th.
Starting Pitchers Battle
Tarik Skubal and George Kirby delivered a pitchers' duel in the opening frames.
The left-hander, a pitching honor favorite, allowed a single score on two hits with no walks and 13 strikeouts over six innings. He set a playoff mark with back-to-back K's.
The only run occurred in the early going, when a double, theft, and deep out brought home a point for the Mariners.
Kirby opened with shutout frames before surrendering a lead-off double in the sixth. After a pitching change, the Tigers batter went deep on a fastball to give the visitors the advantage.
The starter went five-plus innings and was responsible for a single score on three hits with zero free passes and six strikeouts.
The win marks a significant achievement for the Seattle franchise, who advance to battle for a spot in the championship after a long playoff drought.
